It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Judy Mader, age 69, of Mira Road on August 25th, 2026.

Born in Sydney, Judy was the daughter of Edith MacDougall and the late Doug MacDougall. She grew up on Mira Road, a place that remained home throughout her life. At the very centre of Judy's life was her family. She leaves behind her loving husband, Robert Mader; her children, Lindsay Bird (Adam) and Craig Mader (Bryden); and her beloved grandchildren, Shamus, Andrew, and Maddy. Judy shared an especially close and loving bond with Maddy, and also held Maddy's mother, Ashley Layes, very close to her heart.

Judy is also survived by her siblings, Debbie Delaney (Vern), Tracey Maddigan (Ronnie), Dougie MacDougall (Shauna), and Leo MacDougall (Glenda). She was predeceased by her father, Doug MacDougall, and her sister, Donna MacDougall. She will also be deeply missed by her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Doug Mader (Helen), Patsy Mader, Eleanor Burton (Edward), Beverly Walsh (Pat), Paula Mader (Gerry), and Weldie Mader (Sharon). She was predeceased by her brothers-in-law Edward Burton and Everett Mader, and her mother- and father-in-law, Olive and Melvin Mader. She also held a special place in her heart for her many nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly and was always so proud of.

Judy devoted much of her life to caring for others. A nurse by profession and a caregiver by nature, she began her nursing career at the City Hospital. She later worked at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital on 4A before finding her place in Renal Dialysis. Her kindness and compassion made her an exceptional nurse and an even more remarkable person. This fall would mark the 50th reunion of her nursing class, a milestone she had been looking forward to celebrating with her former classmates. Judy was deeply proud of the many roles that shaped her life — as a nurse, wife, mother, Nanny, sister, aunt, and friend.

To Shamus, Andrew, and Maddy, she was Nanny, and there was very little she wouldn't do for them. She was attentive, dedicated, and endlessly present. She loved doing whatever made them happy and had a knack for showing up with something small she had spotted and knew they would love. More than anything, they knew they could count on their Nanny for absolutely anything. Her grandchildren brought her tremendous joy, made her laugh, and were quite possibly her favourite topic of conversation.

Judy could talk. Whether over a cup of tea, on the phone, or during a visit that lasted much longer than planned, she had the gift of gab and could find something to talk about with just about anyone — although the conversation had a pretty good chance of eventually making its way back to her grandchildren. Judy enjoyed the simple things that made life feel like home: a cup of tea, sweets and candy, watching her shows, camping, and spending time with the people she loved. She enjoyed Christmas, loved spending time in Baddeck, and treasured travelling and making memories with family and friends. She was also loved at home by her crazy cats, Olive and Ralph.

For three and a half years, Judy lived with ovarian cancer and fought with tremendous courage, strength, and resilience. Even throughout her illness, her concern so often remained with everyone around her rather than herself — something that came as no surprise to anyone who knew her.

Her family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Arlene Billard and the team at the Cape Breton Cancer Centre, as well as the Halifax Gynecological Oncology team, for the care, compassion, and support they provided Judy throughout her illness. We are also deeply grateful to Dr. Stasiuk, who cared for Judy during her time in hospital this summer, and to the wonderful palliative care team, whose kindness, compassion, and support brought comfort to Judy and our family during her final weeks.

Judy spent her life showing up for people. She was the person you could call, the person who would worry, the person who would help, and the person who would be there. She gave so much of herself to the people she loved, and her family knew, without question, that they could always depend on her.

Visitation will be held at TJ Tracey, 6 Churchill Drive, Sydney, on Monday, August 31st, from 4-7 pm. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, September 1st at 1:00 pm, officiated by Father Evo Dipierro, followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Judy's memory to Teal to Heal through the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation. Donations may be made by calling 902-567-7752 or online at www.tealtoheal.ca.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.

Her absence will be immeasurable, but so will the love she leaves behind.